Our God left nothing to chance. He exists, and He wants us to know who He is. Moreover, He wants us to know His character and His plan for creation and for us, His people, whom He fashioned in His image.
MESSAGE BY WARD PIMLEY
“I know now that the Lord is greater than all other gods, because he rescued his people from the oppression of the proud Egyptians.” — Exodus 18:11 (NLT)
“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” — John 17:3 (NIV)
Who hasn’t woken up in the middle of a deep sleep — maybe that proverbial 3 am midpoint — and wondered in panic, “Where am I?”
In the light of day, that question often morphs into “Who am I?” and “Why am I?”
Those questions, and others like them, have occupied the minds of nearly all of mankind since our earliest days, with some of the greatest minds spinning yarns as they attempt answers for themselves and for us.
Often — most often — they are wrong.
Why?
Because they leave out of their equation the Creator of everything, the God who spoke life and matter into being. He and He alone determines the correct answers to those questions.
~God Speaks~
FOR GOD TO COMPLETE HIS PLAN, He has given us “general revelation,” which is God speaking to us through creation itself, the majesty of the world and the universe around us, even down to the smallest specks of stuff we can see only through the most powerful microscopes.
For those of us who believe, He has given us something more. It’s called “special revelation,” and it’s the Word contained in the Holy Bible, interpreted for us by the Holy Spirit.
Through the answers God has given us, we can draw comfort in knowing there is a Plan, written by a Creator of mighty power and incredible intelligence, who – fortunately for us – is loving, patient, forgiving, merciful, and grace-filled.
Imagine the terror that would befall us if our God were angry, mean, and unforgiving.
~Man’s Stubborness~
WHY, THEN, DO so many people turn away from God’s invitation to meet Him and enjoy a personal relationship with Him?
Because we are stubborn.
Somehow, in our self-importance, in our arrogance, we think we know better than God does how we should live our lives and what should occupy our time.
When we do that, at some point, we might realize we chose wrongly. For the unfortunate, that point never comes; for others, it comes so late in life, there’s little they can do except enjoy a brief course correction.
But for those who come to that point early in life, God’s radiance can guide their steps through the peaks and valleys that mark our days, leading them along the pathway set out for them by their Creator.
~FLICKERING LIGHTS~
THEY ARE THE ONES who live the most fruitful lives. They are the ones we call on when we are mired in our own mess. They are God’s flickering lights showing us a straighter path.
They walk with a self-confidence knowing a personal God is Sovereign and ruling from His throne; they know life’s battles have been won by the One on the throne; they can testify to the joy and peace God has given them in exchange for their faithfulness.
That life is available to all of us, if we choose it.
Just open your heart to a prayer like this one:
“Lord God Almighty, I know I am a sinner in need of Your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son sent to die on the cross for my sins, and that by believing in Him, You will transform my soul and reward me with eternal life in Your presence. Lord, I want that. Come into my heart and save even me.”
That’s all it takes, but you have to be genuine. If you are, the Holy Spirit will bath you with His presence and remake you into the image Your Creator designed you to be.
O Happy Day!
~PRAYER~
ALMIGHTY GOD, Our Lord and Savior — Thank You for loving us, for creating us and fashioning us in Your image, male and female, equal in worth but designed for different and complementary roles. Thank You for being a God that spreads joy and peace, patiece and kindness, faithfulness and peace. Lord, thank You for salvation. In Jesus’ name we lift this prayer. AMEN
Ward's Words | BY WARD PIMLEY 